President William Ruto is planning to bring in new allies to replace some Cabinet Secretaries in an expected reshuffle. This move is seen as a way to improve government performance and expand his political support.
Some of the individuals being considered for top positions are linked to opposition leader Raila Odinga, showing that Ruto is looking beyond his immediate allies to strengthen his government.
Several Cabinet Secretaries are likely to be affected by this shake-up. Among them is Eric Muriithi Muuga, the CS for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation.
There are concerns about his effectiveness in handling critical water projects and sanitation challenges across the country. Public Service CS Justin Muturi is also on the chopping block, with sources indicating that Ruto wants fresh leadership in the public service sector.
Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano is another name being mentioned, with critics arguing that she has not done enough to boost the tourism industry.
There are claims that the sector has been struggling under her watch, and Ruto may want a more aggressive leader in the ministry.Health CS Dr Deborah Barasa Mulongo is also facing uncertainty.
Her ministry has been plagued with numerous problems, including the collapse of the Social Health Insurance program and frequent strikes by health workers.
The ongoing crisis in the health sector has put her under pressure, and there is speculation that she may either be removed entirely or transferred to a less demanding role.
To fill the expected vacancies, Ruto is reportedly considering bringing in several political figures, including former Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya and Raphael Tuju.
Munya, who previously served in Uhuru Kenyatta’s government, has been seen as a strong leader with experience in governance.
Tuju, on the other hand, has deep political connections and could help Ruto gain favor with sections of the opposition.
Another name being floated is Timothy Bosire, the ODM Director of Elections. If he is appointed, it would mark a significant political shift, signaling a move towards greater inclusion of opposition figures in government.
Other potential appointees include former Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu, who has expressed interest in a government job.
Several former MPs, such as Wilson Sossion, Abdullahi Drive, Fatuma Ibrahim Ali, Andrew Toboso, and Ahmed Ibrahim, are also in the running.
Reports indicate that they are among the 109 applicants who have been interviewed for various positions.The main reason behind this reshuffle is Ruto’s dissatisfaction with the performance of some CSs.
The collapsed Social Health Insurance program has been a major embarrassment for the government, while corruption allegations and inefficiency in various ministries have added pressure on the administration.
Ruto appears keen to replace underperforming officials with individuals who can help him push his agenda forward while also securing political support from different regions and parties.
